Newcastle United have completed the signing of Swiss international Fabian Schär on a permanent deal from Deportivo La Coruña.
The defender – who has signed an initial three-year contract – becomes the Magpies’ fourth acquisition of the summer, following the permanent arrivals of Martin Dúbravka and Ki Sung-yueng and the loan capture of Kenedy.
Schär played in three of his country’s four games at the recent World Cup in Russia, helping the Swiss to progress from Group E – along with Brazil – before missing their last-16 defeat to Sweden through suspension.
He made 25 appearances for Deportivo in La Liga last season, having moved to the Spanish outfit from 1899 Hoffenheim a year ago.
The 26-year-old said: “I’m really happy to be here. The club is a really big club for me. It has a big name, and it is a brilliant chance for me.
“I’m not like a typical defender. I, of course, defend, but I’m quite good with the ball – I like to play, I want to build up the game from behind, and I think that is a strength of mine. I have also scored some headers – that could also be a strength and hopefully I can use it here.
“I hope to start training with the team soon, and I’m looking forward to everything that’s coming. At the moment, I just want to get started.”
Manager Rafa Benítez added: “I’m really pleased to welcome Fabian to Newcastle United. He is an international, did well in the World Cup and has great experience.
“He adds competition in this position and that is a positive for the team.”
Schär – who has played 42 times for Switzerland all told – started out with hometown club Wil 1900 before linking up with Champions League regulars Basel in 2012, where he helped the RotBlau to a hat-trick of Swiss Super League titles.
He has already had a taste of playing at St. James’ Park, having turned out for the Swiss against Gabon in the 2012 Olympics’ football tournament.